FRENCH AGRICULTUKE. 215 



the farmer gives him an opportunity of judging people and things with unbiased 

 mind, the source of the little common sense in the world. If this opportunity was 

 cultivated and fostered, who shall say the next decade will not chronicle 



AN ARISTOCRACY OF COMMON SENSE. 



A few have already prophesied that the farmers are the future aristocrats, but 

 long strides are to be taken ere we fulfill it. The treacherous "jingling of the 

 guinea which helps the hurt that honor feels " must be overcome and blinded eyes 

 must be opened. The Chatauqua Circle has proved a good thing in cities 

 and towns. Would not a similar plan be good for the country? Country churches 

 seem to belong to new countries, at any rate the tendency now is for people to flock 

 to the numerous villages for worship and general intercourse, making such an idea 

 feasible. Can not this circle be extended or this State produce a second Dr. Vin- 

 cent, to arrange and perfect a plan for the intellectual advancement of the farmer? 



In conclusion let me say that I have tried to present things as they really exist. 

 If I slipped off the subject now and then, remember that that is a woman's way. 

 If I failed to properly provide for the farmer and his wife, it is because I believe 

 that in providing for the children they will include themselves. 



You who think T dwell on an imaginary evil, and begrudge the time I have 

 taken, will begrudge the leisure hours. You have but a misty idea of the immortal 

 future and no conception of the chief end and aim of life. 



All right, farmer friends, let these men sleep on; meanwhile let us develop our 

 higher and better instincts as an interpietation of God's holy plan. The beginning 

 of the twentieth century will find the Rip Van Winkles still asleep, while the 

 farmer's craft with progressive crew floats on to a perfect hereafter. 



Whitesville, Ind., December 30, 1884. 



FRENCH AGRICULTURE AND THE BREEDING OF 

 NORMAN HORSES.* 



BY COL. J. A. BRIDGLAND, OV RICHMOND, IND., 

 Late ConHul of the U. S., at Hfvre, France. 



Mr. President, and Gentlemen of the State Board of Agricidture : 



I have the honor to appear before you to-day, at your request through your 

 honorable Secretary, to submit a few remarks upon the subject of French agricul- 

 ture and the breeding of Norman horses, and, with your permission, I will add a 

 few remarks upon international commerce between the United States and France. 



The new part of France was ceded to Rollo, a leader of a band of Northmen, 



"An address delivered before the Delegate State Board of Agriculture. January 7, 1885. • 



